Difference Between Strategic Planning And Operational Planning

Difference Between Strategic` And Operational Planning

The main dissimilarities or difference between strategic planning and operational planning can be pointed out as follows:

1. Introduction

Strategic Planning: It is a long term vision of the management which focuses on the organizational objectives and techniques to achieve those objectives

Operational Planning: It is a short term plan which focuses on day-to-day work to achieve organizational goals and objectives

2. Guide

Strategic Planning: It guides the top level management

Operational Planning: It guides the lower and middle level management

3. Time Horizon 

Strategic Planning: Long Term (For several years)

Operational Planning: Short Term (About one year)

4. Focus

Strategic Planning: Focuses on the mission or goals of the organization

Operational Planning: Day-to-day operation and effective utilization of resources

5. Uncertainty

Strategic Planning: More uncertain than operational planning because of long period.

Operational Planning: Less uncertain than strategic planning because of short period

6. Scope

Strategic Planning: Wider scope than operational planning

Operational Planning: Limited scope than strategic planning

Strategic Planning Vs Operational Planning (Comparison Chart)

Basis For Difference	Strategic Planning	Operational Planning
Introduction	Long term vision that  focuses on the attainment of organizational goals	Short term vision that focuses on daily organizational activities
Guides	Top level management	Middle and lower level of management
Period/Time	Long	Short
Focus	Organizational objectives	Day-to-day activities
Uncertainty	More	Less
Scope	Wider	Limited

I hope this post is helpful to understand the difference between strategic and operational planning and to make comparison between them.